Why We Practice Yoga: A Bigger Picture Perspective

You know how it goes in yoga class – we have a tendency to get caught up in the little things.

Can I touch my toes today? I hope no one looks at me trying to balance in Tree Pose. Ugh, why can’t I reach my back foot?

Sometimes we need to zoom out and remember the bigger picture of why we’re really here on our mats.

I had one of those perspective-shifting moments recently when I came across some statistics about falls, hip fractures, and aging. The study found that “hip breaks are more deadly than some cancers” in older adults.

These numbers gave me pause – not because they were scary (though they were), but because they reinforced something I’ve observed throughout my decade of teaching: those small, consistent steps we take today profoundly shape our health and mobility in the future.

Prevention is key.

It reminded me of a conversation I had with one of my students last week. She mentioned how she used to think yoga was “just stretching” and wondered if it was worth her time. Now, six months into her practice, she notices how much easier it is to pick up her grandchildren, work in her garden, and even just get up from the floor. She also uses a breath technique to help her fall asleep at night. These daily victories? That’s what yoga is really about.

This is exactly why I’m so passionate about the Lifelong Yoga approach. It’s not about mastering the perfect pose, doing headstands, or achieving some idealized version of flexibility. It’s about creating a foundation for vibrant living that serves us year after year.

When I teach, I weave together what I call our 4 Core Pillars for Optimal Health and Vibrance.

• Alignment: This isn’t about achieving some Instagram-worthy pose. It’s about finding YOUR ideal positioning through props and gentle exploration. Every body is different, and honoring those differences is key to a sustainable practice. I love watching students discover their own version of a pose – that moment when they find what works for their unique body is pure magic.
• Functional Movement: I love calling this “Yoga for LIFE” because that’s exactly what it is. We build strength, flexibility, and mobility that supports you in your daily life – whether that’s playing with grandkids, gardening, or simply moving through your day with more ease. The real yoga happens when you notice how much easier it is to reach for something on a high shelf or bend down to tie your shoes.
• The Breath: This is the magic ingredient that links everything together. It’s amazing how something as simple as conscious breathing can transform our experience both on and off the mat. I’ve seen students completely shift their energy and reduce their anxiety just by becoming more aware of their breath.
• Therapeutic Sequencing: Each class flows thoughtfully from gentle warmup to relaxation. No jumping into deep stretches or challenging poses without proper preparation – we honor the body’s need for gradual, mindful progression. This intentional approach helps prevent injury and builds a strong foundation for sustainable practice.

You won’t find headstands or fancy pretzel poses in my classes. Honestly? That’s not what yoga is about for me. Instead, we focus on mindful movement that helps you feel better in your body and supports you for years to come. Sometimes the simplest practices can be the most profound.

I’ve seen this approach transform lives over and over again. Students who once thought they were “too stiff” or “too old” for yoga discover a practice that meets them exactly where they are. They find strength they didn’t know they had, flexibility that develops naturally (without forcing), and a sense of confidence that radiates into every aspect of their lives.

I truly believe that the choices we make today on our mats are investments in our future selves. Each time we practice, we’re not just working on today’s flexibility or strength – we’re building a foundation for becoming our strongest, most vibrant, joyful, balanced selves, not just for now, but for the decades ahead.

This long-term perspective keeps me inspired as a yoga teacher, and I hope it inspires you too. Because yoga isn’t just about touching your toes – it’s about nurturing your body and mind for all the adventures yet to come. It’s about creating a practice that grows and evolves with you, supporting you through every stage of life.

What aspects of your practice do you feel are investing in your future self? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.